Ukraine's commendable democratic pushback against corruption

LeMonde

3 days ago

The war Ukrainians are waging to repel the Russian invasion is not only about the freedom of a people to choose their place in Europe, but also about defending democracy itself. That is why Volodymyr Zelensky's reversal on the issue of the fight against corruption deserves recognition. On Thursday, July 31, lawmakers overwhelmingly passed a bill restoring the independence of the two bodies responsible for combating this scourge.
Just nine days earlier, the Ukrainian president had signed another piece of legislation, following a parliamentary vote, placing the two agencies in question under the authority of the prosecutor general, a position appointed by the president himself. This move would have allowed the government to interfere in investigations. Lawmakers from the governing coalition were instructed to approve the decision, which was presented as a measure to protect Ukraine from Russian interference. In reality, however, it would have set the country back in terms of transparency.
By correcting this misstep, Zelensky showed his ability to acknowledge his mistakes. It must be said that the Ukrainian leader was confronted with an unprecedented surge of civic mobilization in the three and a half years since the conflict began.
Thousands of young people took to the streets in Kyiv and other major cities, driven by a wave of national indignation. For them, retreating from the fight against corruption would mean betraying the sacrifices of those on the front lines, as well as undermining Ukraine's credibility in its bid to join the European Union and risking the loss of critical support. The fact that these protests were possible under martial law and were heard by those in power was a remarkable demonstration of democratic vitality.
However, Zelensky's change of heart was not only a response to public anger. It also stemmed from pressure exerted by the EU, which considers weakening anti-corruption mechanisms in a candidate country aspiring to join its 27 member states unacceptable. The threat of suspending some EU assistance, coupled with warnings from European leaders, convinced the Ukrainian president that he was on the wrong path.
Rejection of Russian control
The strength of the European protests highlighted the connection between closer ties with the EU and fighting corruption. Much of Ukrainian civil society welcomed this renewed vigilance from Kyiv's allies, which reflected a dual imperative: Defending the country and strengthening the institutions that will allow Ukraine to secure a democratic future within the EU.
The two goals are closely linked. Admittedly, implementing structural reforms while fending off an invading army is an unprecedented challenge. However, Ukraine's difficult military situation, characterized by a slow Russian advance and increasingly deadly bombardments, does not justify abandoning the fight against corruption.
Vladimir Putin's refusal to accept the Ukrainian people's choice to turn toward the West triggered his aggressive actions. For Ukrainians, this battle is about resisting Russian domination, advancing democracy and pursuing EU membership. Ukrainian society has made its position clear to its leaders. The state of war and its constraints on democratic life must not be used as an excuse to lower the standards of honesty and accountability among those in power. Ukrainians are also fighting for that.